April 20, 2006

The Department of Environmental Quality’s Office of the Great Lakes is reminding boaters that they play an important role in protecting Michigan’s waters from aquatic invasive species. Over 162 aquatic invasive plants and animals threaten Michigan’s diverse ecosystems and interfere with many uses of our waters.

Those enjoying Michigan’s lakes and streams should inspect watercrafts and recreational equipment before leaving a lake or other water body, remove any vegetation, drain all live wells, clean areas that may contain water, and dispose of unused bait in the trash. Allowing boating and recreational equipment to dry 5-10 days also helps to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other organisms from one lake to another.

“Invasive species not only impact the use of Michigan waters, but have negative impacts on sport and commercial fishing, industry, municipalities, and native fish and wildlife,” said Office of the Great Lakes Director Ken DeBeaussaert. “We must all play our part in protecting these vast water resources.”

The 2006 Great Lakes Protection Fund decal is now available for sale at a cost of $35 with the proceeds going toward aquatic invasive species research, education, and eradication efforts. The decal does not replace any required registration or identification stickers, though boaters may notice the decal order form in their registration renewal package. Decals may also be ordered online through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/michiganmall.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised April 20, 2006 by Pat Watson